JP5771606B2 - Coupling device - Google Patents

Description

(Field of Invention)
The present invention relates to the transfer of fluid between two ships. More specifically, the invention relates to a connection device for transferring fluid as described in the introduction of claim 1. The present invention is particularly useful in systems that transfer liquefied natural gas offshore (eg, between a production ship and a shuttle tanker).

(Background of the Invention)
The state of the art includes systems for cold loading offshore, especially systems that transfer liquefied natural gas (hereinafter LNG) between two floating ships. One such system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,057,056, which describes a retraction and connection unit comprising a retraction funnel that is equipped with a slit and is mounted at an inclined position on the bow of a shuttle tanker. . The funnel has an outer portion that extends outward to smoothly enter the cylindrical inner portion and constitutes the primary guide means for the coupling head. The funnel is also equipped with secondary guide means, which has a large width at the introduction opening and converges inward to a width corresponding to the holding arm for the guide post of the coupling head In the form of two longitudinally extending guide slots, so that the retaining arm slides in the guide slot, while the guide post extends outside the funnel.

  The state of the art systems referred to above are designed to connect several hoses in one operation. Thus, the total mass subjected to dynamic movement during connection can be substantial.

  Furthermore, the system is designed to be connected in a configuration having a hose at a predetermined angle. Deviations from this angle can cause large bending moments in the hose. These bending moments are transmitted to the guide posts during entry of these hoses. The guide post system does not have the functionality to establish significant lever action on the aligning load before these bending moments occur. This can cause unacceptable resistance during retraction.

  The state of the art also includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,089, which is provided in a trumpet 44 open portion at the front of the trumpet 44 when the cone 51 has a circular cross section and the cone 51 engages in the trumpet 44. An alignment device having two diametrically opposed blades 55 that house itself in a diametrically opposed slit 56 is described. The width of these slits becomes increasingly narrow at and after the blade receiving end. Preferably, the alignment device comprises two alignment cones of the cone 51 type which are arranged diametrically opposite each other along a horizontal plane and cooperate with two alignment trumpets of the trumpet 44 type. In this case, the fixing module is equipped with two winches of type 47 or one winch with two drums.

  In the prior art, the draw wire is connected to the flexible pipe in such a way that the draw direction is more or less aligned with the longitudinal axis of the flexible pipe. The weight of the hose end assembly can cause a significant angular deviation between the pulling rope and the hose and ultimately the guide system. This can cause problems during the initial insertion into the funnel. The slits present in prior art coupling devices also represent a potential operational risk or limitation, as the lead-in wire can get stuck in the slits, damaging the device and causing the operation to stop.

  The Applicant has devised and embodied the present invention in order to overcome these drawbacks and obtain further advantages.

International Publication No. 01/34460 US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0011424

(Summary of Invention)
The invention is described and characterized in the main claim, while the dependent claims describe other features of the invention.

  The present invention provides a coupling device for connecting a first coupling housing and a second coupling device, the first coupling housing extending from the first coupling housing and the first cup. A guide element having a free end at a distance from the central axis of the ring housing, the second coupling housing comprising a receptacle for the guide element and retraction means for drawing the guide element into the receptacle; The retracting means is characterized in that it is connected to the free end of the guide element, the first coupling housing is pulled towards the receptacle at an angle that does not coincide with the central axis, so that the guide element is in a suitable position within the receptacle. The central axis of the first coupling housing and the central axis of the second coupling housing are aligned. Are consistent, the two housings are rotatably aligned.

  In one embodiment, the guide element head comprises a ball shape and the guide element base portion has a substantially rectangular elongate cross section, with its long sides extending along the axis.

  In one embodiment, the receptacle has a rectangular bell mouth shape.

  In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the guide element and receptacle is non-circular, i.e., mainly rectangular, oval, elliptical, triangular, etc., with lateral, longitudinal and rotational recovery relative to the first coupling housing. Provide moment.

  The traction force applied by the retracting means is in a direction that is steeper than the central axis of the first coupling housing.

  In one embodiment, the receptacle is disposed on the docking frame and includes an extended position where the guide element can be retracted into the receptacle and a retracted position where the first coupling housing and the second coupling housing are connected. It can slide between.

  Preferably, the first coupling housing is connected to a flexible pipe for transferring LNG or vaporized LNG, and the second coupling housing is between the flexible pipe and the storage tank on the ship. Connected to pipes on board to transport LNG or vaporized LNG.

  By applying a traction force to the free end of the guide post at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the flexible pipe, a restoring moment for the coupling head is achieved, which facilitates insertion of the guide post. The geometry of the guide post, guide post receptacle and docking frame is such that the movement of the flexible pipe is aligned in the direction of the pull-in wire movement against the direction of the longitudinal axis of the flexible pipe. It is.

  Complementary cross-sectional shapes of guide posts and guide post receptacles are non-circular, i.e., mainly rectangular, oval, elliptical, triangular, etc., lateral, longitudinal and rotational with respect to the flexible pipe and its coupling head Provides a restoring moment.

  The traction force on the flexible pipe, as applied by the retracting wire, is in a direction that deviates from the direction of the central axis of the flexible pipe in the region of the free end (preferably steeper than that direction). The retraction force is applied at a point outside the central axis of the flexible pipe.

  The guide device according to the present invention provides pipe and coupling axis alignment and rotational alignment of aligned axes.

These and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like Concerning components.
For example, the present invention provides the following items.
(Item 1)
A coupling device for connecting the first coupling housing (12) and the second coupling housing (20),
The first coupling housing (12) extends from the first coupling housing (12) and is free at a distance (h) from the central axis (aa) of the first coupling housing ( 102; 202; P) comprising guide elements (101; 201; 301a-e; 401b, c; 501b-d),
The second coupling housing (20) comprises a receptacle (123; 223; 323; 423; 523) for the guide element and a retracting means (8) for drawing the guide element into the receptacle. The retraction means (8) is connected to the free end (102; 202; P) of the guide element
Features
The first coupling housing is pulled toward the receptacle at an angle that is not coincident with the central axis (aa), and the first cup is positioned when the guide element is in an appropriate position within the receptacle. A coupling device in which the central axis (aa) of the ring housing and the central axis (bb) of the second coupling housing are aligned, coincident, and the two housings are rotatably aligned.
(Item 2)
The guide element head (102; 201) comprises a ball shape, the guide element base part (105; 205) has a substantially rectangular elongated cross section, the long side of which is on the axis (aa). 2. A coupling device according to item 1, extending along.
(Item 3)
3. A coupling device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the receptacle (223) has a rectangular bell mouth shape.
(Item 4)
The cross-sectional shapes of the guide element and the receptacle are non-circular, i.e., mainly rectangular, oval, elliptical, triangular, etc., and restored lateral, longitudinal and rotational with respect to the first coupling housing (12). 4. A coupling device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein a moment is provided.
(Item 5)
Coupling device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the traction force applied by the retracting means (8) is in a direction that is steeper than the central axis of the first coupling housing (12). .
(Item 6)
The receptacle (123) is disposed on the docking frame (122) and has an extended position where the guide element can be retracted into the receptacle, the first coupling housing (12) and the second coupling housing ( 20) The coupling device according to any one of items 1 to 5, which is slidable between the storage position to which it is connected.
(Item 7)
Item 6. The guide element is locked to the receptacle prior to being stored in a position where the first coupling housing (12) and the second coupling housing (20) are connected. Coupling device.
(Item 8)
The first coupling housing (12) is connected to a flexible pipe (5) for transferring LNG or vaporized LNG, and the second coupling housing (20) is connected to the flexible pipe. Any one of items 1-7 connected to a pipe (25) on the ship (2) for transferring LNG or vaporized LNG between the storage tank on the ship (2) and the ship (2). The coupling device according to Item.

FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram illustrating a system of two ships in a side view, the two ships being moored together and having flexible pipes extending between them. FIG. 1b is a principle diagram illustrating the system illustrated in FIG. 1 in a top view. 2a to 2c are perspective views illustrating a first embodiment of a connecting device according to the present invention in three different states, in which three different states-FIG. 2a is in a guide post receptacle Fig. 2b shows the guide post in the guide post receptacle, the receptacle in the extended position, and Fig. 2c shows the guide post receptacle in the retracted position and the coupling in the connected state. Show. 2a to 2c are perspective views illustrating a first embodiment of a connecting device according to the present invention in three different states, in which three different states-FIG. 2a is in a guide post receptacle Fig. 2b shows the guide post in the guide post receptacle, the receptacle in the extended position, and Fig. 2c shows the guide post receptacle in the retracted position and the coupling in the connected state. Show. 2a to 2c are perspective views illustrating a first embodiment of a connecting device according to the present invention in three different states, in which three different states-FIG. 2a is in a guide post receptacle Fig. 2b shows the guide post in the guide post receptacle, the receptacle in the extended position, and Fig. 2c shows the guide post receptacle in the retracted position and the coupling in the connected state. Show. FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway side view of a connection device as illustrated in FIG. 2b. FIGS. 4a to 4d illustrate a second embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention in four different states, in which the four different states—FIG. 4a is before being inserted into a guide post receptacle. FIG. 4b shows the guide post partially in the first position within the guide post receptacle, and FIG. 4c shows the guide post partially in the second position within the guide post receptacle. FIG. 4d shows the guide post in the installed position within the guide post receptacle and the coupling in the connected state, each of FIGS. 4a to 4d comprising four drawings, where FIGS. ii) is a perspective view, drawing (iii) is a side view, and drawing (iv) is a longitudinal sectional view of drawing (iii). FIGS. 4a to 4d illustrate a second embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention in four different states, in which the four different states—FIG. 4a is before being inserted into a guide post receptacle. FIG. 4b shows the guide post partially in the first position within the guide post receptacle, and FIG. 4c shows the guide post partially in the second position within the guide post receptacle. FIG. 4d shows the guide post in the installed position within the guide post receptacle and the coupling in the connected state, each of FIGS. 4a to 4d comprising four drawings, where FIGS. ii) is a perspective view, drawing (iii) is a side view, and drawing (iv) is a longitudinal sectional view of drawing (iii). FIGS. 4a to 4d illustrate a second embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention in four different states, in which the four different states—FIG. 4a is before being inserted into a guide post receptacle. FIG. 4b shows the guide post partially in the first position within the guide post receptacle, and FIG. 4c shows the guide post partially in the second position within the guide post receptacle. FIG. 4d shows the guide post in the installed position within the guide post receptacle and the coupling in the connected state, each of FIGS. 4a to 4d comprising four drawings, where FIGS. ii) is a perspective view, drawing (iii) is a side view, and drawing (iv) is a longitudinal sectional view of drawing (iii). FIGS. 4a to 4d illustrate a second embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention in four different states, in which the four different states—FIG. 4a is before being inserted into a guide post receptacle. FIG. 4b shows the guide post partially in the first position within the guide post receptacle, and FIG. 4c shows the guide post partially in the second position within the guide post receptacle. FIG. 4d shows the guide post in the installed position within the guide post receptacle and the coupling in the connected state, each of FIGS. 4a to 4d comprising four drawings, where FIGS. ii) is a perspective view, drawing (iii) is a side view, and drawing (iv) is a longitudinal sectional view of drawing (iii). FIG. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of a connection device according to the present invention, including three drawings, wherein drawings (i) and (iii) are perspective views and drawing (ii) is a side view. . FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where FIGS. (I) and (ii) are perspective views of two variations of the guide element of this embodiment, and FIG. (Iii) And (iv) are drawings of a third variation of the guide element cooperating with the guide element receptacle. FIG. 7 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIGS. (I) and (ii) are perspective views of two variations of the guide element of this embodiment, and FIG. (Iii) And (iv) are drawings of a third variation of the guide element cooperating with the guide element receptacle.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
FIGS. 1 a and 1 b are schematic diagrams illustrating the arrangement in which a connection device according to the present invention may be used.

  The production ship 1 and the shuttle tanker 2 (only a part of which are illustrated) are floating in the sea water W and are moored together in a tandem configuration by a pair of double hawsers 3 by a claw foot device. The distance between the ships can be maintained, for example, by a shuttle tanker 2 that maintains a constant stern traction, thereby keeping the hawser taut. The production ship 1 may be, for example, a turret-fixed LNG FPSO that can freely change the weather. This arrangement is well known in the art.

  As shown by the double arrows in FIG. 1 a, the production ship 1 is equipped with a so-called A frame 4 that is pivotally attached to the deck of the production ship. Three substantially parallel flexible pipes 5 extend between the ships, two of which are designated to transport LNG, while the third pipe is from the shuttle tanker 2 to the production ship It is specified to return LNG (boil-off) vaporized to 1. These pipes can be, for example, corrugated stainless steel vacuum insulated CRYODYN® flexible pipes. The flexible pipe 5 is supported by an A-frame 4, each pipe 5 having a coupling head 16 at its free end, which is connected to each of the retracting and connecting units 6 on the shuttle tanker 2. Introduced in the receptacle.

  In a typical retraction and connection operation of the flexible pipe 5, the bow of the shuttle tanker 2 is equipped with a retraction winch (not shown) and a receptacle, which are described below. If the A-frame is positioned with the proper tilt, the three coupling heads 16 are (often at the same time) pulled from the production ship 1 across the bow area on the shuttle tanker 2 and the connection unit 6; Then it is pulled in one by one and locked. FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate the flexible pipe 5 in such a connected and locked state, in which case fluid transfer between ships can take place.

  Each coupling head 16 includes a connection flange 15, a ball valve 12, and a swivel joint 10. In the retracting and connecting unit 6, each coupling head 16 has one docking and connecting unit, and one docking and connecting unit includes a retracting winch, a coupling head 20 having a connector and a ball valve, and a flange 21. I have.

  The present invention relates to a connection device for transferring fluid between ships, and details of this connection device and associated connection procedures will now be described in detail.

(Description of First Embodiment)
A first embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2a-2c and FIG.

  FIG. 2 a illustrates the preparation state of the connection process, where the coupling head 16 is pulled to a position near the retraction and connection unit 6 by a retraction wire 8 connected to the guide post 101. As the person skilled in the art knows, the other end of the retraction wire 8 is connected to a conventional retraction winch device (not shown) on the shuttle tanker 2. In FIG. 2b, the guide post on the flexible pipe 5 enters the retraction and connection unit 6 and FIG. 2c is in a coupled and locked state, ie as schematically illustrated by FIGS. 1a, 1b. Indicates connected device.

  Referring initially to FIG. 2 a, the flexible pipe 5 is equipped with a coupling head 16 near its free end, which is connected to a corresponding second of the coupling housing 20 on the shuttle tanker 2. A ball valve housing 12 having a first flange 15 for connection to the other flange 21. As is well known in the art, the ball valve is opened by the valve actuator 14 when connected.

  The coupling head 16 further comprises a guide post 101 connected to the flexible pipe by a suitable clamping device 104. The guide post 101 includes a head portion 102, an inner base portion 105, and an intermediate central neck portion 103 at the outer free end thereof. The guide post head 102 is relatively small and preferably has a ball shape in this embodiment. The base portion 105 is substantially rectangular and has an elongated cross section, and the sides of the base portion 105 extend along the central axis of the flexible pipe. The intermediate portion 103 also has a substantially rectangular and elongated cross section towards the base portion, and the side of the intermediate portion facing the valve housing 12 is substantially straight and substantially parallel to the valve housing central axis. (See FIG. 3). The coupling head 16 is connected to the flexible pipe 5 by the swivel joint 10.

  The retracting and connecting unit 6 is pivotally connected to the shuttle tanker 2 (only the intermediate support structure of the shuttle tanker is shown in FIG. 2a) by gimbal mountings 26a, 26b. This gimbal mounting (or cardan suspension) of the retracting and connecting unit 6 ensures a moment-free connection.

  The gimbal mounting structure is designed to support external loads from the hose and connection system. This structure is thermally insulated from the sometimes cold piping system at the mounting flange of the coupling housing 20. The axis of rotation of the piping system coincides with the axis of the gimbal system at ambient temperature. The piping system is arranged to be elastic to allow thermal deflection.

  The coupling housing 20 includes the second flange 21 described above, a plurality of locking claws 22, a locking actuator 23, and an activation element 24. When the first flange 15 is moved into contact with the second flange 21, the actuator 23 rotates the actuating element so that the locking claw 22 engages the first flange 15 and connects it. Establish. At this stage, the valve actuator 14 is actuated, the ball valve is opened, and fluid can flow from the flexible pipe 5 into the piping 25 on the shuttle tanker. This valve connector is, for example, MIB Italiana S. p. a. May be of a type known in the art, such as “Bow Connector System” developed and sold by In the figure, the piping 25 between the valve and the onboard storage tank is only partially shown. This is because it is known in the art and is not essential to an understanding of the present invention.

  The docking frame 122 is arranged in the retracting and connecting unit 6 and in this embodiment has a pulley 126 for the retracting wire 8. As described in more detail below, the docking frame 122 includes a guide post receptacle 123 that is configured to receive and support at least a portion of the guide post 101. The guide post receptacle 123 is movable in the docking frame between an extended position (illustrated by FIG. 2a) and a retracted position (illustrated by FIG. 2c). In the illustrated embodiment, this movement of the guide post receptacle 123 is a reciprocating movement relative to the docking frame 122 by one or more actuators 130. Receptacle actuator 130 may be a hydraulic actuator or may be a threaded jack. The guide post receptacle 123 is provided with a pair of guide rollers 125, which are provided with a hose hole 124-the guide post is drawn into this hole. FIG. 2a illustrates how the guide post 101 is shaped and positioned as well as the fact that the lead-in wire is connected to the guide post head 102, the direction of traction applied to the flexible pipe 5 being the central axis of the flexible pipe. Is different. This means that a substantial lever action is established before being subjected to side loads and that a restoring moment is generated in the pipe and serves to align the pipe with the guide post that enters the guide post receptacle in the final phase. And make sure.

  In FIG. 2b, the guide post 101 is retracted into the guide post receptacle 123 and appropriate locks such as pins (not shown) extending through corresponding holes 106 in the guide post and corresponding holes 127 in the guide post receptacle. Locked in this position by the device. When the guide post 101 in this state is connected to the guide post receptacle 123, such a locking device—which is known in the art and need not be further described—is that the tension in the pull-in wire 8 is Allows to be released. The guide post head 102 having a ball shape is further supported by the rollers 128 a and 128 b in the receptacle 123.

  The interior of the guide post receptacle has a geometric shape that is complementary to the guide post geometry described above. The guide post receptacle includes a substantially rectangular funnel-shaped opening to accommodate a substantially rectangular elongated cross-section base portion 105.

  The location illustrated in FIG. 2b is also illustrated in side view and partial cutaway view in FIG. FIG. 3 shows how the guide post head 102 is supported by two rollers 128a, 128b and the side of the intermediate portion 103 facing the valve housing is aligned substantially parallel to the central axis of the valve housing. And how it is supported by the lower roller 128b. In addition to being advantageous for retraction and alignment operations, this feature also allows the cup to be moved by unwinding or cutting or cutting the wire without extending the so-called “quick cut” situation, ie, slidable docking frame 122. This is particularly useful when the ring head 16 is released. This particular shape of the guide post (the intermediate portion in this embodiment) is initially approximately parallel to the central axes aa and bb before the coupling head is disengaged from the receptacle 123 and away from the receptacle 123. Ensure that it moves away from the coupling housing 20 while following the path (see FIG. 3). Thus, the quick cutting operation can be performed without the risk of damaging the valve flange.

  FIG. 3 also shows that the interior of the guide post receptacle 123 is complementary to the shape of the guide post so that the central axis aa of the flexible pipe 5 is aligned with the central axis bb of the coupling housing 20. Shows how to have a shape to ensure that. In other words, once the guide post is properly positioned within the guide post receptacle, the two axes coincide.

  FIG. 3 also shows how the guide post head 102—where the retractor wire is attached—extends from the central axis aa of the flexible pipe by a distance h, and the direction pulled by the retractor wire is the central axis a− by the angle a. Explain how to deviate from a.

  A double arrow M in FIG. 3 indicates that the guide post receptacle 123 is movable back and forth in the docking frame 122 in parallel with the central axis bb.

  Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 2b and 3, once the guide post 101 is secured within the guide frame receptacle 123 and the two aforementioned axes aa and bb coincide, the two flanges 15, 21 Can be fitted in a safe and controlled manner by moving the guide post receptacle 123 to its retracted position, and the coupling can be coupled and locked as described above. At this stage, if the flexible pipe is aligned with the coupling housing 20, the two flanges 15, 21 are prepared for mating, such as in their protective covers, and removed in a controlled and safe manner. obtain.

  The coupled and locked state is illustrated by FIG. 2c, where the movable guide post receptacle 123 is moved to the retracted position (by the actuator 130) in the docking frame so that the flanges are connected and locked.

(Description of Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4a-4d. In these diagrams, which are schematic diagrams of the principle, only the elements necessary to explain the invention are shown. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, for example, based on the information provided by FIGS. 1-3 and described above, ancillary components are required for practical applications.

  FIG. 4 a illustrates the ready state of the connection process, where the retracting wire 8 attached to the guide post 201 pulls the flexible pipe 5 in a position close to the retracting and connecting unit 6. As in the first embodiment, the guide post 201 extends a distance h from the central axis aa of the flexible pipe (see drawing (iii)), and the retracting wire 8 is connected to the guide post 201. Attached to the free end of the head or head 202. As in the first embodiment, the angle of traction on the flexible pipe deviates from the central axis of the flexible pipe.

  In this second embodiment, the retracting and connecting unit 6 comprises a guide post receptacle 223 that is stationary relative to the docking frame 222. However, the guide post receptacle 223 can also be slidably arranged with respect to the docking frame 222, similar to the arrangement of the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the guide post 201 and the guide post receptacle 223 have a bell mouth shape complementarily. As specifically illustrated in FIG. (I), the guide post receptacle 223 has a non-circular shape, more precisely a substantially rectangular shape, and the length of the cross section is substantially equal to the central axis bb of the coupling housing 20. Parallel. The central axis d of the guide post receptacle 223 and the central axis bb of the coupling housing 20 are non-parallel to each other, i.e. have an angle a between them, where 0 ° <a <90 °. . For a particular loading system, this angle is estimated based on the weight and stiffness of the flexible pipe and coupling system. Typically, 15 ° <a <35 °.

Similarly, the guide post 201 has a shape complementary to the shape of the guide post receptacle 223, and the length of the cross section of the guide post is substantially parallel to the central axis aa of the flexible pipe 5. In the state illustrated in FIG. 4 a, the central axis aa of the flexible pipe is at an angle β ₁ with respect to the central axis bb of the coupling housing 20.

In FIG. 4 b, the guide post 201 has entered the guide post receptacle 223. The aforementioned rectangular shape ensures lateral alignment of the flexible pipe 5 with respect to the coupling housing 20, i.e. alignment in the same vertical plane. The bell mouth shape described above works to reduce the angle between the central axes aa and bb. Therefore, in this state, the central axis aa of the flexible pipe is at an angle β ₂ with respect to the central axis bb of the coupling housing 20, and β ₂ <β ₁ .

In the state illustrated in FIG. 4c, the guide post 201 is further pulled into the guide post receptacle 223, and the lower parts of the two components cooperate to pivot the flexible pipe 5, ie, as a result. The central axis aa exhibits an angle β ₃ with respect to the central axis bb, where β ₃ <β ₂ .

In the state illustrated in FIG. 4d, the guide post is completely pulled into the guide post receptacle 223, the first flange 15 and the second flange 21 are fitted, and the connection is completed. In this state, the axis aa of the flexible pipe is at an angle β ₄ = 0 °, and the central axis bb of the coupling housing 20 or the two axes are aligned. The guide post may preferably be locked to the guide post receptacle in this position by a locking pin (not shown) or similar locking device known in the art.

(Description of the third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. In this figure, including the principle diagram, only the elements necessary to explain the invention are shown. The person skilled in the art understands that, for example, based on the information provided by FIGS. 1-4 and described above, auxiliary components are required for practical applications.

  FIG. 5 illustrates the preparation state of the connection process. The lead-in wire 8 runs through the receptacle 323 and around the pulley 326 into a winch (not shown). The person skilled in the art understands that the receptacle 323 is attached to the retracting and connecting unit 6 and part of the retracting and connecting unit 6 described above.

In the third embodiment, the guide on the flexible pipe includes a guide device 301 attached to the flexible pipe 5. The guide device 301
A beam 301a arranged transverse to the central axis aa of the flexible pipe 5;
- a plate element 301b, are aligned with the central axis a-a, have a rake angle δ with respect to the central axis a-a, the peak extends a distance h ₁ from the central axis, the plate Element 301b;
Three wire segments 301c, 301d, 301e, wherein the first wire segment 301c is attached to the plate element 301b near the peak and the second 301d and third 301e wire segments are Three wire segments 301c are attached to each end of the beam 301a and all three wire segments are connected to the lead wire 8 at a common junction P that extends a distance h above the central axis aa. , 301d, 301e. Functionally, this joint P is similar to the guide post head 102 described above,
Thus, for this configuration—and as in the first and second embodiments—the angle of traction on the flexible pipe deviates from the central axis of the flexible pipe.

(Explanation of Fourth Embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. In this figure, including the principle diagram, only the elements necessary to explain the invention are shown. The person skilled in the art understands that, for example, based on the information provided by FIGS. 1-4 and described above, auxiliary components are required for practical applications.

  In this fourth embodiment, the guide on the flexible pipe comprises a guide device 401 attached to the flexible pipe (the pipe is not shown in FIG. 6). Drawing (i) shows a triangular plate 401a, drawing (ii) shows a rectangular plate 401'a, drawing (iii) shows a circular plate 401 "a. The plate comprises two wire segments 401b, 401c. The two wire segments 401b and 401c are joined together at the joint P and attached in spaced relation to the plate.

  Drawing (iii) of FIG. 6 illustrates how the retraction wire 8 runs through the receptacle 423, through the guide ring 426 and into a retraction winch (not shown). One skilled in the art will appreciate that the receptacle 423 and guide ring 426 are attached to the retracting and connecting unit 6 and a portion of the retracting and connecting unit 6 described above.

  Drawing (iv) of FIG. 6 illustrates the state when the guide device 401 is fully retracted into the receptacle 423, and the wire segments 401b, 401c are flexible pipes (not shown in FIG. 6). A restoring moment is applied to the plate 401 "a attached to the flexible pipe so that the flexible pipe is aligned with the retracting and connecting unit described above.

(Explanation of Fifth Embodiment)
A fifth embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. In this figure, including the principle diagram, only the elements necessary to explain the invention are shown. The person skilled in the art understands that, for example, based on the information provided by FIGS. 1-4 and described above, auxiliary components are required for practical applications.

  In this fifth embodiment, the guide on the flexible pipe comprises a guide device 501 attached to the flexible pipe (the pipe is not shown in FIG. 7). Drawings (i) and (ii) show triangular plates 501a, 501'a, and drawing (iii) shows circular plates 501 "a. The plates are retracted through three wire segments 501b, 501c, 501d. Connected to the wire 8, the three wire segments 501b, 501c, 501d come together at the joint P and are attached in spaced relation to the plate.

  Drawing (iii) of FIG. 7 illustrates how the retraction wire 8 runs through the receptacle 523, through the guide ring 526 and into a retraction winch (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the receptacle 523 and the guide ring 526 are attached to the retracting and connecting unit 6 and part of the retracting and connecting unit 6 described above.

  Drawing (iv) of FIG. 7 illustrates the state when the guide device 501 is fully retracted into the receptacle 523, and the wire segments 501b, 501c, 501d are flexible pipes (shown in FIG. 7). A restoring moment is applied to the plate 501 "a attached to it, so that the flexible pipe is aligned with the retracting and connecting unit described above.

(Common to all embodiments)
Although the present invention has been described with respect to a system in which the retracting and connecting unit 6 is attached to the shuttle tanker 2 and the free end of the flexible pipe 5 is fed from the production ship 1, those skilled in the art will be able to reverse the present invention. It will be appreciated that this configuration is equally applicable when the retracting and connecting unit is attached to a production ship.

  Although the present invention has been described with respect to a system for offshore transfer of LNG between a production ship and a shuttle tanker, those skilled in the art will recognize that the connection device according to the present invention is between a sailing ship and an onshore factory. It will also be understood that it can be used for other LNG systems, such as on land or between other ships at sea. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the present invention is useful for other fluids other than LNG.

  Although the present invention is particularly useful for systems having a relatively stiff flexible pipe 5, the invented connection device is applicable to pipes of any stiffness.

Claims (12)

A coupling device for connecting a first coupling housing (12) and a second coupling housing (20) for transferring fluid between ships,
The first coupling housing (12) extends from the first coupling housing (12) and is free at a distance (h) from the central axis (aa) of the first coupling housing ( 102; 202; guide elements of the non-fluid communication with P) (101; 201; 301a~e ; 401b, c; 501b~d) wherein at least a portion of the guide element has a non-circular Katachidan surface The non-circular cross section is perpendicular to the axis of extension of the guide element;
The second coupling housing (20) comprises a non-fluid communication receptacle (123; 223; 323; 423; 523) for the guide element and a retracting means (8) for drawing the guide element into the receptacle. The retraction means (8) is connected to the free end (102; 202; P) of the guide element, and at least a part of the receptacle is shaped complementary to the non-circular part of the guide element It has a non-circular cross section of
As a result, the movement of the first coupling housing toward the receptacle takes place at an angle that does not coincide with the central axis (aa), and the guide element is in the proper position within the receptacle; The central axis (aa) of the first coupling housing and the central axis (bb) of the second coupling housing are aligned and coincident, and the two housings (12, 20) are Coupling device that is rotatably aligned. The first coupling housing (12) comprises a first flange (15) and a valve actuator (14),
The second coupling housing (20) comprises a second flange (21) and actuator means (23, 24), the first coupling housing (12) and the second coupling housing. When connected to (20), the valve actuator (14) is actuated to open the first coupling housing (12) and the second coupling housing (20), and the fluid The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling device is capable of flowing through one coupling housing (12) and the second coupling housing (20).   Coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the retracting means (8) comprises a retracting wire (8).   The free end (102; 202) of the guide element has a ball shape, the base part (105; 205) of the guide element has a substantially rectangular elongated cross section, the long side of which is the axis (a The coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which extends along -a).   The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle (223) has a rectangular bell mouth shape. Wherein the non-circular Katachidan surface, rectangular, oval, elliptical, and includes a triangular, whereby said first lateral relative coupling housing (12), the longitudinal and rotation of the restoring moment is provided, wherein Item 6. The coupling device according to any one of Items 1 to 5.   Coupling according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the traction force applied by the retracting means (8) is in a direction that is steeper than the central axis of the first coupling housing (12). device.   At least a portion (103) of the guide element (101) is movably supported by a support element (128a, b) of the receptacle, the portion and element being connected to a central axis (a--) of the first coupling housing. While the central axis (bb) of a) and the second coupling housing are substantially coincident and / or parallel, the first coupling housing (12) is the second coupling housing. Coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device is formed to be movable relative to the coupling housing (20).   The coupling device according to claim 8, wherein the portion (103) comprises a surface aligned substantially parallel to the axis.   The receptacle (123) is disposed on a docking frame (122), and the receptacle has an extended position where the guide element can be retracted into the receptacle, the first coupling housing (12) and the first coupling. Coupling device according to any one of the preceding claims, slidable between a storage position to which the two coupling housings (20) are connected.   11. The guide element according to claim 10, wherein the guide element is locked to the receptacle before being pulled into a position where the first coupling housing (12) and the second coupling housing (20) are connected. Coupling device.   The first coupling housing (12) is connected to a flexible pipe (5) for transferring LNG or vaporized LNG, and the second coupling housing (20) is connected to the flexible pipe. 12. Connected to a pipe (25) on the ship (2) for transferring LNG or vaporized LNG between the storage tank on the ship (2) and the ship (2). The coupling device according to one item.

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